136: Starting again

The moon rose and set, the seasons cycled, and time slipped away quietly like a white horse galloping past a crevice.

Inside the stone house, the bitter scent of medicinal herbs lingered constantly, utterly out of place with the birdsong and fragrant flowers outside the window.

Yan Bei lay quietly on the stone bed, like a sleeping sculpture.

His breathing was steady and long, his chest rising and falling rhythmically, signaling the tenacity of his life.

During this time, Kleid had remained almost constantly by Yan Bei's side.

He personally brewed medicine and changed dressings for Yan Bei, using the power of the Giant Rock Visualization Diagram to slowly repair the damaged Meridians within Yan Bei's body.

The villagers also frequently came to visit Yan Bei, bringing various nourishing foods and medicinal herbs.

They silently prayed for Yan Bei, hoping that this brave young man would recover soon.

One day, sunlight streamed through the window lattice and fell onto Yan Bei's face.

His tightly closed eyes trembled slightly.

His eyelashes fluttered gently like butterfly wings, as if heralding the arrival of his awakening.

Kleid keenly noticed the change in Yan Bei.

He put down the medicine bowl in his hand, walked to the bedside, and gazed at Yan Bei with a gentle expression.

"Ugh..." Yan Bei let out a soft groan and slowly opened his eyes.

Coming into view was Kleid's familiar and kind face.

"Lord Enlightener..." Yan Bei's voice was still somewhat weak, but much clearer than before.

"You are awake. How do you feel?" Kleid's voice was gentle and concerned.

Yan Bei tried to move his body and found that although it was still a bit sore, it was no longer as difficult as before, where even moving a finger was a struggle.

"Much better," Yan Bei replied. "Thank you, Lord Enlightener, for saving my life."

"No need for formalities," Kleid waved his hand. "You were able to wake up because of your own will."

He paused and continued: "Your body has basically recovered. However, to fully recuperate, you will still need a period of rest and care."

"Mm." Yan Bei nodded. He could feel that although his body was still weak, it was much stronger than before.

"Lord Enlightener..." Yan Bei looked at Kleid, wanting to say something but hesitating.

"You want to ask me how I can help you become stronger, right?" Kleid saw through Yan Bei's thoughts at a glance.

Yan Bei did not speak, only silently nodded. In his eyes, a flame of desire to become stronger burned.

"No rush," Kleid smiled. "Wait until you have fully recovered, then we shall talk."

In the following days, Yan Bei continued to recuperate while performing some simple restorative training under Kleid's guidance.

He also often engaged in deeper Contemplation and Cultivation of the Giant Rock Visualization Diagram.

As he continued his Cultivation of the Visualization Diagram, his body's recovery speed increased, and by now, he was able to get out of bed and walk normally.

The villagers saw the changes in Yan Bei. They were happy for his recovery and full of expectations for his future.

Time flowed away like water, and in the blink of an eye, several more months passed.

Yan Bei's body had fully recovered. He stood at the village entrance, feeling the surging power within him, his eyes filled with confidence.

"Lord Enlightener, I am ready. You can tell me now, right?" Yan Bei turned around to look at Kleid standing behind him, his voice loud and firm.

Kleid looked Yan Bei up and down and nodded with satisfaction.

"It seems you can't wait any longer."

"Lord Enlightener," Yan Bei bowed, his voice filled with respect. "Where exactly is this path to strength you spoke of?"

Kleid did not answer directly; instead, he took out a token from his bosom. The token was made entirely of cold iron and felt icy to the touch. On the front was carved a lifelike snow wolf, and on the back was an ancient-looking character for "Frost".

"This is..." Yan Bei took the token and felt a chill spread from his fingertips through his entire body, which refreshed his spirit.

"Keep this token safe," Kleid said slowly, his voice carrying a hint of reminiscence. "In the 'Feishuang Icefield' of the Far North, there is a Rebel Army that cannot be underestimated."

"Feishuang Icefield?" Yan Bei repeated the name, his mind conjuring images of that bitter, cold land covered in ice and snow all year round.

"The leader there was an old acquaintance of mine," Kleid continued, his tone filled with emotion. "He was an ambitious man with spirit, but unfortunately..."

Kleid did not say anything more, just shook his head.

Yan Bei understood that the leader was likely no longer alive.

"Before he passed, he entrusted me with a task," Kleid looked at Yan Bei with burning eyes. "If he met with misfortune, I was to find him a reliable successor to lead his subordinates and continue his unfinished cause."

Yan Bei's heart stirred; he vaguely guessed Kleid's intention.

"That Rebel Army is now without a leader and is just a mess of loose sand," Kleid's voice was low and powerful. "If you go with this token, they will acknowledge you as their master."

"Me?" Yan Bei was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Kleid to entrust such a heavy responsibility to him.

"Don't underestimate yourself," Kleid patted Yan Bei's shoulder. "You have the ability."

"But..." Yan Bei was still hesitant. "I have failed before and caused the deaths of countless brothers. Moreover, I know nothing about the Feishuang Icefield."

"Child, have you heard the saying? Failure is the mother of success. Without failure, where would success come from?" Kleid smiled faintly. "As for the Feishuang Icefield... once you arrive there, you will naturally come to understand it."

He paused and continued: "That Rebel Army is a major asset that will allow you to complete your revenge in the shortest possible time. If you say you cannot handle it, then your brothers who died before would have truly died in vain."

Yan Bei looked at the token in his hand, feeling its cold touch, and thought of his fallen brothers; a shadow rose in his heart.

"Lord Enlightener, I understand." Yan Bei took a deep breath, his eyes firm. "I will not let you down."

"Remember, once you are there, be careful in everything," Kleid exhorted. "The Feishuang Icefield is not a kind place."

"Mm." Yan Bei nodded heavily.

Kleid looked at Yan Bei; he said nothing more, just turned around, waved his hand, and slowly walked away.

Yan Bei watched Kleid's back disappear from sight. He gripped the token in his hand tightly, feeling its heavy weight.

"Feishuang Icefield..." Yan Bei murmured to himself. "I am coming."

He turned and walked out of the village. His steps were firm and powerful, each step leaving a deep footprint.

The morning breeze blew past, stirring his clothes and scattering the confusion in his heart.

His silhouette, illuminated by the morning sun, appeared exceptionally tall.

A brand-new journey was waiting for him.